STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3939

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: GOV. MSG. NOS. 611, 727

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 611 and 727, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of:

Hawai'i Community Development Authority

G.M. No. 611	ADENA DUVAUCHELLE for a term to expire 06-30-2029; and
G.M. No. 727	JO-ANN LEONG for a term to expire 06-30-2030,

begs leave to report as follows:

Your Committee reviewed the personal histories, resumes, and statements submitted by Adena Duvauchelle and Jo-Ann Leong for service on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority.

ADENA DUVAUCHELLE

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Adena Duvauchelle from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Community Development Authority; one member of the Honolulu City Council; Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; and four individuals.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Ms. Duvauchelle's experience, background, and commitment to public service qualify her for appointment to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority as a community member representing the Kalealoa District. Ms. Duvauchelle has owned and operated a small business since 2018, diversifying her brand since then to include event planning, decor rental, and floral design companies. All of her businesses remain grounded in inclusivity, sustainability, cultural awareness, and local engagement, which is especially shown by Ms. Duvauchelle's development of THRD HAUS, a community event space and social gathering place for creative collaboration. Ms. Duvauchelle also works as a property manager and community manager for the Wākea Garden Apartments in Kalaeloa, where she gained practical, first-hand experience in housing development policy. Your Committee further notes that Ms. Duvauchelle has served as an interim member of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and has a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of its members. Your Committee therefore recommends that Adena Duvauchelle be appointed to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

JO-ANN LEONG

Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the reappointment of Jo-Ann Leong from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Community Development Authority; Koʻolau Foundation; Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club; Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve; and one individual.

Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Leong's background and dedication to serving the public qualify her to be reappointed to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority as a community member representing the Heʻeia District. Having spent her childhood around Kaneohe Bay, Dr. Leong has demonstrated her commitment to this community and its surrounding ecology through her positions as Director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and Research Advisory Board Member of Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve, and through her service on the Board of Directors for Paepae o Heʻeia and Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi and as a member of the Koʻolapoko Hawaiian Civic Club. Previously, Dr. Leong held the Emile Pernot Endowed Professorship while Professor of Microbiology and Chair of the Department of Microbiology at Oregon State University and published over one hundred and fifty research papers. Dr. Leong also owns three patents for pioneering aquacultural vaccinations. Your Committee further notes that Dr. Leong has served on the Hawai'i Community Development Authority since 2017 as the representative of the Heʻeia Ahupuaʻa. Your Committee finds that Dr. Leong's experience and knowledge will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority. Your Committee therefore recommends that Jo-Ann Leong be reappointed to the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority based on her experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominees, has found the nominees to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair